The Board

Iain Taylor

Iain is a local management consultant with a background in property, regeneration and economic development. He's new to Rossendale, only moving here 20 years ago. Iain is the chair of the Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery, Rossendale Pride in Place Board and director of Rossendale Leisure Trust. He loves riding motorcycles, sailing boats and taking time out with his wife and two children.

Iain loves the Whitaker - he joined the Board before the re-development and is determined to ensure that it continues to deliver an amazing programme of art and culture as well as be a delight to visit for whatever reason - lunch, dinner, family occasions... why not get married here?

Iain brings commercial, management and charity governance experience to my role on the Board.

Clarisse Eraña

Clarisse has over a decade of experience in project and programme management across the international development, policy and research sectors. Born in the Philippines, raised in Canada and living in England, Clarisse spends a lot of time pondering about identity, culture and belonging, which sparked her interest in cultural institutions. Having recently moved to Rossendale, she was drawn to The Whitaker as a place that actively nurtures community and sharing heritage - offering, for her, a genuine sense of belonging.

As a trustee, Clarisse brings her experience of charity governance, impact measurement and programme management to The Whitaker. She is particularly interested in supporting The Whitaker's role as a cultural anchor for Rossendale, helping ensure the museum remains community-rooted, inclusive, relevant and resilient for the future.

Outside of the Whitaker, Clarisse currently works with an international research consortium focused on urban reform in African cities. In her spare time, she enjoys learning languages and musical instruments, travelling, reading and - of course - visiting The Whitaker!

Gary Spelman

Caroline Grime

Brendan Flanagan

Brendan has a background in arts, culture and heritage, countryside and land management, and visitor economy. He retired in 2023 from a position as Head of Rural and Cultural Economy at Cheshire East Council, including being General Manager of Tatton Park. Having grown up in Northern Ireland and Liverpool, he has lived in Rossendale for well over 30 years. As well as being a trustee and board member at the Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery, Brendan is on the board of Groundwork (Cheshire Lancashire and Merseyside) and is a volunteer Specialist Advisor for the National Trust. He has previously held three directorships, positions on a number of steering groups, and was a board member for a regional Tourism Board.

With a long-standing interest in the Whitaker, Brendan joined the Board to guide and support the museum’s work and to help ensure its sustainable future. In his spare time, he loves hill walking, travel, cooking, writing and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Brendan brings attractions management, culture and heritage, management, marketing, and governance experience to his role on the Board.